The latest news and information regarding St. Louis car accidents. Car accident attorney Christopher Hoffmann provides useful tips on what to do if you are involved a Missouri auto accident and how you can work to prevent such accidents from happening.

07/13/2018

Why SUVs and Trucks Pose a Threat to Pedestrians

Americans love SUVs and trucks. The American car industry is currently experiencing record sales growth and revenue – partially because we can’t stop buying SUVs, compact SUVs, crossovers, and trucks.

These vehicles make up 67% of the automotive market in the United States, and even rising oil prices are not stopping sales from growing. Some common reasons they are popular is a higher perspective on the road, more cargo space, and higher safety ratings for some SUVs and crossovers.

Many attorneys have noticed an increase in the number of serious injuries and fatalities caused by cars hitting pedestrians in recent years. Here are a few reasons this may be the case, based on the IIHS safety report.

Increase in popularity of SUVs, trucks, and crossovers – The design of these larger vehicles inherently makes them less safe for pedestrians. They are higher off of the ground, so they are more likely to strike pedestrians in the chest or head, rather than the legs. This means the risk of a serious or deadly injury is higher.

SUVs, trucks, and crossovers are usually slower to brake than passenger cars, and pedestrians are more likely to be “sucked under” the front of the vehicle, because the gap between the bumper and road is much larger.

Distracted driving (and walking) – It’s likely that the higher popularity of SUVs and other larger vehicles is not the only issue. Distracted driving is very common, and pedestrians are also more likely to be using smartphones while walking. This may be a significant factor in rising pedestrian death rates.

Increase in walking as a method of commuting, with no changes to city infrastructure – More than 4.3 million Americans now walked to work in 2015, compared to only 3.3 million in 2005, according to the IIHS study. If cities are not taking steps to become more pedestrian-friendly, this means more Americans may be in danger while walking.

Stay Safe While Walking Or Driving In St. Louis

To avoid major accidents, St. Louis car accident attorneys recommend a few safety steps. Do not drive while distracted – and drive slowly in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Always double-check for pedestrians when turning or crossing an intersection.

For pedestrians, avoid smartphone use while walking, and always be alert for cars that may pose a threat, especially when crossing streets, even on designated crosswalks.